REVEALED: Why Court Froze Ex-NNPCL Boss Mele Kyari's Account Containing Over 661 Million

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has revealed why he granted the request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze three bank accounts linked to the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari.

The ruling, which has sparked fresh controversy around the former oil industry chief, affects funds totalling 661,464,601.50 held in Jaiz Bank accounts belonging to Kyari, the Guwori Community Development Foundation, and the Guwori Community Development Foundation Flood Relief.

The EFCC, through its counsel Ogechi Ujam, sought the ex parte order (FHC/ABJ/CS/1641) to block the accounts, arguing that the move was crucial to ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct during Kyari's tenure at the helm of NNPCL.

In his judgment delivered on Tuesday, Justice Nwite said the application had merit after carefully reviewing the evidence presented:

"I have listened to counsel to the applicant and gone through the affidavit evidence with the exhibits and written address attached in support. I found that this application is meritorious, and it is hereby granted as prayed.ÔÇØ

The order restrains all transactions on the affected accounts pending the conclusion of the EFCC's investigation. The court also directed that a report on the ownership of the accounts be presented on September 23, 2025.

Mele Kyari, who was sacked by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in April 2025 and replaced with Bayo Ojulari, has faced mounting allegations of fraud since his removal. He, however, continues to deny any wrongdoing.

With this development, questions around his stewardship of NNPCL funds are expected to intensify as the EFCC deepens its probe.